… URGES GOVERNOR DIRI TO INSTITUTE SPECIAL FLOOD INTERVENTION FUND
A former Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Jonathan Robinson Obuebite, has charged multinational corporations in Bayalsa and other states in Nigeria to support the efforts of the State governments in ameliorating the devastating living conditions of the flood victims.
Obuebite made the call in a statement on Friday , urging the State Governor Douye Diri to commence an immediate institution of ‘Special Flood Intervention Fund’ for fighting the flood menace in the state.
He also charged the State House of Assembly to also complement the Special Flood Intervention Fund by conveying a Special Flood Sitting, to back the Fund with law to empower the governor.
Obuebite regretted that the recent flood l has affected virtually almost communities in all the eight local government areas of the state.
He stated that people have lost their relations and their means of livelihood.
He stated that landlords have been forced to relocate to the various Internally Displaced Person Camps put in place by the Bayelsa State Government.
According to him, the Multinational Companies should work in collaboration with the Special Committees on Flooding, constituted by Governor Douye Diri.
“Also, in an emergency like this, especially when the state is experiencing a Natural disaster, the governor has the constitutional backing to raise a Special Flood Intervention Fund, with the approval of the State House of Assembly.
“Governor Diri should forward a letter to this effect to the State House of Assembly to convey a Special sitting.
“The issue will be treated as a Matter of “Urgent Public Importance.’ We need to salvage the situation and give hope to our people.
“I wish to plead with all tiers of government and let them see the reason for the construction of dams that will absorb water from the neighbouring countries, especially Cameroun.
“Also, there is a need for proper planning of towns and cities across the State.
“I call on our Traditional Rulers to enlighten their communities on the need to keep the waterways free from blockage etc.
“It is a gory tale as victims watch helplessly seeing their properties being washed away by the flood.” He stated.
Obuebite further explained that the present condition is not the time to trade blames but rather a period to join hands with the government to mitigate the effects of the ravaging flood on the people of the state.
He commend Governor Diri for his efforts in mitigating the pains and suffering of all residents in Bayelsa State adding also that the state government cannot do it all alone.
He stated that there was a need for collaboration with relevant stakeholders, especially Multinational Companies operating in Bayelsa State.
‘It is time for them to give back to their host communities that have been ravaged by flood. It is time for the host communities to feel the impact of their Corporate Social Responsibilities.
“The Multinational Companies must work in collaboration with the Special Committees on Flooding set up by Governor Douye Diri.” Obuebite said.
Obuebite called on the Traditional Rulers to enlighten their communities on the need to keep the waterways free from blockage adding that it was a gory tale as victims watch helplessly seeing their properties being washed away by the flood.
“On my part, I have been reaching out to people. And so, I commend leaders of our dear state who has done the same while I urge other who are capable to do the same.
“It is not something that needs publicity. It is such a help rendered with tears, pains and agony. Nobody prays for it. It is better imagined than experienced.
“It is now time for us as Bayelsans to put aside political sentiment, and differences and rise to the occasion. We are all one. Let us be our brother’s keepers.” He stated.